Ventnor Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Ventnor's crime profile in February 2026 reveals a marked dominance of violent crime over property crime, a dynamic that may reflect the area's unique characteristics as a coastal built-up area within the Isle of Wight. With a total crime rate of 4.8 per 1,000 residents—25% below the UK average—the area demonstrates a relative safety that contrasts with broader national trends. Violent and sexual offences accounted for 44.4% of all incidents, significantly higher than property crimes (33.3%), a shift that diverges from the UK pattern where property crime typically constitutes a larger share. This imbalance may be influenced by Ventnor's seasonal context: as a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull, February's crime dynamics likely reflect reduced opportunities for property-related offences and increased focus on interpersonal interactions. Anti-social behaviour, at 14.8% of total crimes, remained a persistent concern, though its rate (0.7 per 1,000) is 23% below the UK average. The area's lower violent crime rate compared to the UK—specifically for violence and sexual offences (2.2 vs 2.3 per 1,000)—suggests effective community engagement or environmental factors that mitigate conflict. However, the seasonal context also raises questions about how these patterns might evolve as warmer weather and increased tourism bring different dynamics to the area. The interplay between local demographics, the built environment, and seasonal rhythms likely plays a key role in shaping these crime trends, warranting continued monitoring as the year progresses.

February 2026 saw a 200% increase in shoplifting incidents, rising from one to three cases, a stark shift in property crime trends. This surge, coupled with a 100% rise in burglary cases (from zero to two), suggests a potential seasonal vulnerability in retail and residential areas. Conversely, criminal damage and arson cases dropped by two-thirds (from three to one), possibly reflecting reduced outdoor activity during the winter months. The crime mix shifted with violent crimes (44.4% of total) outpacing property crimes (33.3%), a balance that contrasts with the UK average where property crime typically dominates. Violent crime rates in Ventnor (2.2 per 1,000) are 5% below the UK average (2.3 per 1,000), indicating a localised effectiveness in community policing or environmental factors. For residents, the sharp rise in shoplifting may prompt closer attention to retail security measures in the coming months.

Ventnor's crime rate in February 2026 rose 8.1% from the previous month's 4.5 to 4.8 per 1,000 residents, reflecting a slight upward trend. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one reported crime per day over the 28-day period, a figure that aligns with the local rhythm of a coastal built-up area with seasonal fluctuations. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 207 residents, a statistic that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the population. This monthly exposure rate, while low compared to UK averages, highlights the relative safety of Ventnor's residents during this period. The population-scaled perspective shows that even with the 8.1% increase, the overall crime burden remains minimal, with the majority of residents unaffected by criminal activity. This context is particularly relevant for local businesses and community organisations seeking to understand risk levels without overestimating threats.